In Kyrgyzstan, there are 391 species of birds, many of which are rare and protected by the state. 57 species of birds are included in the Red Book of the Kyrgyz Republic. A new series of KEP postage stamps is dedicated to four species of birds inhabiting the territory of Kyrgyzstan.
The Ibisbill (Ibidorhyncha struthersii) is a large bird, related to the waders, with a long, thin, bow-shaped and down-curved bill of bright red. This is a very rare and disappearing bird which beautifies Kyrgyz mountain rivers. The Ibisbill is a good swimmer and is common only on the mountain rivers and pebbles. Most often, the ibisbill is seen nesting at altitudes of 2,000 to 3,500 m. This bird is listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan.
The Eastern Rock Nuthatch (Sitta tephronota) is a species of bird in the Sittidae family. A typical inhabitant of mountainous areas. It easily climbs rocks and can even stay upside down. It feeds on insects and lives in rocky ravines, mountain cliffs and treeless slopes, at altitudes from 400 to 2,000 m.
The Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo) is the smallest species of crane, its height is about 89 cm, and the weight is 2-3 kg. These graceful, migratory birds are less adapted to the swampy terrain and prefer to live in open areas with low grassy vegetation: steppes, savannas and semi-deserts at an altitude of up to 3,000 m above sea level. Demoiselle cranes are monogamous, as a rule, and the pairing persists throughout life. During the courtship ritual, cranes dance. In comparison with other cranes, the dance of the demoiselle cranes looks more energetic and artistic. This species is listed in the Red Book of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) is considered the king of all owls. He has a powerful physique. The wingspan of the eagle reaches 150-180 cm with a wing length of 41-52 cm and weighs 2.1 - 3.2 kg. The eagle-owls live in forests, steppes, deserts, on plains and in mountains (at an altitude of 3,000 m). Eagle-owls form a couple for life. As a protected bird, the Eurasian eagle-owl is listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan.
Besides the mentioned stamps, KEP also issues 4 postal cards, dedicated to the corresponding bird species. These cards, together with the new stamps and a special pictorial first day cancellation, were used to make four maximum cards.
KEP expresses special gratitude to the Kyrgyz Wildlife Conservation Society (KWCS), in particular to Mr. S. M. Kulagin, for providing valuable advice in the preparation of this issue of postage stamps. The KWCS, which is the official partner of the international environmental organization, BirdLife International, kindly gave their permission to use the appropriate logos on our stamps.
Kyrgyz Express Post believes that the new issue of KEP postage stamps will attract the attention of many people (not only collectors) of different countries and will contribute to protecting and preserving the wonderful world of birds of Kyrgyzstan.
You can check the newsletter for the new KEP issue here
Stamps, FDC and maximum cards can be purchased here
